Curating a Personal Soundtrack for High School Credit

Skating through a random neighborhood in California, the playlist guides the ride from smooth coasts to playful detours. “Steam” by Shelly sets the pace with a steady rhythm, perfect for that first push and effortless coasting down the pavement. “It All Feels Right” by Washed Out keeps the momentum, basking in sunlight and carrying you forward with its smooth cruising beat. As you pick up speed and slow down with the natural rhythm of the streets, “Beverly Laurel” by Tame Impala swells, lifting the ride like a gentle wave. Turning corners and greeting neighbors, “Eye Know” by De La Soul adds character, playful and friendly, while “On Melancholy Hill” by Gorillaz gives the ride a cinematic, dreamy montage feel. Pushing into quirkier streets, “The Thing” by Pixies brings offbeat energy, twisting through alleys and unpredictable turns. Glimpses of life around you appear with “She Smokes in Bed” by TV Girl, mysterious and slightly voyeuristic, while “Smile” by Dominic Fike adds bounce, weaving smoothly from side to side. Classic California vibes hit with “Someday” by Sugar Ray—palm trees, spring warmth, and effortless skating energy. The mellow, looping instrumentals of “Lemongrass” by MF DOOM let you glide, contemplative and smooth. Finally, “Fairground” by Deary wraps the ride with a dreamy, cinematic calm, echoing the soft, sun-washed feel of suburban streets as you coast to a stop.

The genre I choose was surf rock, Surf rock became popular in 1960s Southern California and is strongly associated with beach culture, skate culture, and sunshine-filled coastal living. Artists like The Beach Boys and Dick Dale created music that reflected the sound of waves, the energy of youth, and the laid-back lifestyle of California. The dish I choose to make is a citrus yogurt bowl Southern California cuisine is heavily influenced by: -Coastal living -Fresh produce -Citrus farming (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) -Light, refreshing meals suited for warm weather A citrus yogurt bowl represents that culture because it is: -Fresh and colorful -Light but energizing -Built around local produce (citrus + berries) -Easy and casual—just like SoCal lifestyle Ingredients • 1 cup coconut Skyr yogurt • ½ blood orange, sliced • ½ mandarin orange, segmented • ¼ cup blueberries • ¼ cup blackberries • ¼ cup granola • 1 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter) • 1 tsp honey (optional) • Fresh mint or basil (finely chopped) • Edible flowers (optional, for presentation)

For this project, I have paired the novel Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid with the song “California” by Rouge Wave. Both of these works capture the specific melancholy feeling of the West Coast, where the beauty of the landscape often masks the hectic personal lives of those who live there. “California” by rogue wave has a hazy, indie-rock sound that perfectly mirrors the setting of the novel. Reid describes Malibu as a place of extremes, the calming rhythm of the Pacific Ocean contrasted with the destructive power of the annual brushfires. The song’s melody feels like a pink and orange Malibu sunset. It is breezy and beautiful yet it carries an underlying sense of sadness when it's over. This reflects the public perception of the Riva family, to the world they were talented surf royalty, but behind closed doors, they were struggling to stay afloat. The song’s lyrics provide a direct emotional link to the protagonist, Nina Riva. A key line in the song “in the wake of a hurricane/you’ve let me down again” serves as a perfect metaphor for the Riva children’s relationship with their father. Mick. Throughout the book, Mick’s selfishness and repeated disappearances act like a natural disaster in their lives. As the eldest Nina is always the one left to clean up his mistakes, sacrificing her own identity to raise her siblings, Jay,Hud, and Kit. Every character in Malibu rising is looking for a new way to escape their past or their current reality....

Comparison: “On Melancholy Hill” by Gorillaz vs “New Slang” by The Shins Similarities: Both songs explore reflection, longing, and quiet emotion, creating a bittersweet but comforting mood. Each features soft, dreamy melodies that draw listeners into a calm, reflective space. Both evoke nostalgia and thoughtfulness, even before the lyrics are fully understood. Differences: On Melancholy Hill: dreamy and abstract, creating an imaginative space that feels wistful and nostalgic. New Slang: grounded and story-driven, with lyrics about feeling out of place and hoping for something better, sparking introspection and quiet hope. Meaning: Both songs can move listeners even without knowing the lyrics, thanks to their melodies and tone. On Melancholy Hill encourages a reflective, almost meditative feeling, letting listeners imagine memories or emotions in a gentle, abstract way. New Slang adds depth through its narrative of personal frustration and longing, prompting reflection on life choices, the desire for change, or hope for something better. In both cases, understanding the lyrics deepens the emotional impact, but the music alone already creates a calming, nostalgic, and thoughtful experience.